About Our Coaching Approach
Dana K. White created this unique decluttering process as she worked through her clutter in her own home and then wrote in her book, Decluttering at the Speed of Life (which has sold more than half a million copies).
Most decluttering advice begins with pulling everything out of a space, but that led to disaster for Dana and for thousands of others who ended up with a bigger mess that overwhelmed them. Using this five-step process, you’ll make progress and only progress, never a bigger mess. The process works in whatever time you have available.
The Container Concept is the missing piece in communication between naturally organized people and those who struggle with clutter. Our coaches understand this concept, and that allows them to communicate in a way that actually makes sense. The purpose of a container is not to hold stuff; it’s to contain. Containers serve as natural limits.
The container makes the hard decluttering decisions for you and removes emotionally laden value decisions from the decluttering process. Watch this video to see Dana’s explanation of the Container Concept.
Your Clutter Threshold is the amount of stuff you can easily keep under control. It's different for everyone. When you're over your threshold, your house feels out of control, no matter how hard you try. Decluttering is the only way to reach your Clutter Threshold, and your coach will help you get there.
This method was created by someone who isn't naturally organized, for people who aren't naturally organized. There are no complicated systems, no expensive containers required. The key to getting organized is decluttering, and Speed of Life Decluttering Coaches know how to help you declutter successfully, even if you’ve never been able to before.
Coaching Sessions and Logistics
Yes! Most of our certified coaches offer both in-person and virtual sessions via Zoom or other video conferencing platforms. Virtual coaching is surprisingly effective; you do the physical work while your coach guides, encourages, and helps you make decisions.
You can see examples of Dana K White leading people through the decluttering process in virtual sessions on her YouTube channel here. This playlist also includes several coaches leading people through decluttering their crafting spaces.
Most sessions are 1-4 hours, with 1-2 hours being most common. Longer than 4 hours can lead to exhaustion. The beauty of using the No Mess Decluttering Method is that you will only make progress. So, no matter how long you work, you’ll have made your space better and won’t be left with any piles or boxes to go through later. The coaches will work at your pace and energy level.
This completely depends on your home size, clutter level, and goals. Some people see dramatic improvement in one session, while others work with a coach over several weeks or months. The beauty of Dana’s method is that every session leaves your space better than before.
Our Speed of Life Decluttering coaches are independent business owners and set their own rates. Many coaches offer package deals for multiple sessions. A good first step is to check out our coach directory, as many coaches list their pricing either in their directory profiles or on their websites.
Never. Our coaches understand the struggle because many have been there themselves. The No Mess Decluttering Method is designed to work in any situation on any clutter level, and the steps remove judgment from the process. You'll find only empathy, encouragement, and zero judgment. We celebrate every bit of progress you make!
The Decluttering Process
You can hire a coach to work in any space you’d like. If you need help with your overall house, we recommend you follow the Visibility Rule. This means you start in the place visitors to your home would see first when they arrive. Usually, this is the entryway, living room, or dining room. Starting in visible spaces helps you (and the others who live in your home) see progress immediately and motivates you to continue.
Working on a hidden closet all day means you may still be embarrassed to answer the doorbell when we're done. This frustration can zap decluttering energy. Visible progress is motivating for you and your family.
You can keep anything, but you can’t keep everything and have a home that’s under control. A coach's role is to lead you through the decluttering process. They’ll help you identify which things deserve space in your home, but you make all the final decisions about your belongings.
That's okay! We work through what you ARE ready to release. Often, once easy decisions are made and you see the progress, harder decisions become easier. There's no pressure to be perfect.
Spaces do get re-cluttered, especially the ones that are visible, but it won't be the same. After decluttering, what accumulates is usually just "procrasticlutter" aka things that migrated there temporarily. It takes much less time to reset because the hard decluttering work is done.
Specific Challenges
The coaches focus on your belongings and neutral spaces. You’ll be amazed at the progress you make by only focusing on your own stuff. They can coach you on strategies for addressing family clutter respectfully.
Simple habits (like the 5-minute pickup) help everyone maintain the progress together.
Yes! This method has been endorsed by many ADHD experts, and countless people with ADHD have used it to successfully declutter. The No Mess Decluttering Method's clear steps and immediate progress are particularly helpful for ADHD brains. The "no mess" approach prevents the overwhelm that often stops people with ADHD in their tracks.
This is exactly what Speed of Life Decluttering Coaches do best! The five-step No Mess Decluttering Method process gives you a clear starting point every time. You don't have to figure it out; your coach will guide you through following the steps.
Most decluttering strategies are created by naturally organized people whose brains work much differently from the brains of those who genuinely struggle with clutter. This method was created by Dana K White, who personally struggled with clutter, specifically for people who struggle. Plus, having a coach provides guidance, focus, and support that solo attempts may lack.
After Coaching & Long-Term Success
As you declutter, your coach will teach you skills and habits to maintain your progress. Simple daily practices like the 5-minute pickup, dealing with dishes and laundry daily, and using the "take it there now" strategy prevent the reappearance of clutter.
You can always schedule additional sessions with your coach! Many clients return for seasonal decluttering, help with new projects, or just a motivational boost. Some coaches also offer ongoing maintenance packages, which might be a good option for you.
No space stays organized forever without being purposeful about it. But once you've decluttered below your clutter threshold using Dana's methods, supported by your coach, maintenance becomes much easier. You'll know exactly what to do when clutter starts accumulating.